[gunrunnerjohn]

Yes, the connectors are keyed, the factory just screwed up!
FWIW, normally you have to crimp new pins on those Molex connectors to pull them out. However, I've been very successful at just compressing the tab enough to pull the pin out and then using an X-acto knife to pull the pin back up.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Yep, it's good to have some repair skills in today's environment.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I pop those pins out pretty frequently. I didn't realize I wasn't supposed to be able to do that. I just use a really small jeweler's screwdriver.

According to Molex, you're supposed to punch the tab into the contact and then the contact slides right out. It is a bit trickier to punch it down enough to slide it out, but not too much that you can't pick it back up. Of course, Molex would love for you to buy their $500 crimp tool and more contacts, so that kinda' makes sense.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Lumex no longer makes the ceramic LED's, that's probably why Lionel switched.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I've seen a couple busted ones, but like Pete, I've used a ton of them. They are the most compact LED like that, and they are sorely missed.